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Safer viruses for vaccine research and diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new biotechnology platform to produce safer 'hybrid' viruses for vaccines and diagnostics against mosquito-borne diseases. The Binjari virus, inert to humans, is used to create 'dangerous-looking' viruses like Zika and dengue that cannot grow in humans or animals.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019

Eastern equine encephalitis virus poses emergent threat, say NIAID officials

Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a deadly mosquito-borne illness that has existed for centuries, with a particularly deadly year in the US in 2019. Current research efforts focus on developing vaccines and treatments, but challenges include limited funding and difficulties in reaching target populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 21, 2019

New single vaccination approach to killer diseases

Scientists have developed a new single vaccination approach that simultaneously protects against both influenza and pneumococcal infections, overcoming the limitations of current vaccines. The approach combines vaccines targeting different components of the virus and bacteria, inducing enhanced cross-protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Small babies, big data

Researchers have pioneered a technique to analyze tiny amounts of newborn blood, providing the most detailed accounting to date. The study establishes a common developmental pathway for the first week of a newborn's life, offering insights into newborn health and the impact of vaccines.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2019

Micromotors deliver oral vaccines

Researchers create micromotors coated with red blood cell membranes and titanium dioxide that target the mucus layer of the intestine, stimulating a broader immune response. The oral vaccines successfully delivered in mice, producing ten times more IgA antibodies against Staphylococcal α-toxin than static particles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 6, 2019

Long-acting contraceptive designed to be self-administered via microneedle patch

A new long-acting contraceptive designed for self-administration via microneedle patch technology has shown promise in animal testing, providing a therapeutic level of contraception for over a month with a single application. The experimental patch uses biodegradable polymers to slowly release the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 14, 2019